Archive for December, 2011

The Irish Senior Citizens Parliament welcomes the fact that in Budget 2012 Pensions in payment were maintained at their current rate. However the Parliament is concerned that many members who are due to receive their pension from September 2012 will be affected by these proposed changes to the contributory rates listed below.

We urge the Minister to consider a more gradual approach to these changes. We also urge all those people who have been in touch with us to make their views and individual concerns/ situations known to the Minister and their elected representatives.

Effective September 2012 changes to Average PRSI contribution requirements for a State Pensions will result in a new 6 tier payment structure.

Based on today’s rates this will mean lower payments for those who retire from 1st September 2012. The changes as now set out will range from €4.20-€22.70 per week. Taken on their own these cuts will create hardship for many older people especially for those who have broken PRSI records. Many women fall into this category and unless the change is accompanied by a determined effort to look at their unique positions they will badly affected.

Máiréad Hayes, CEO of the ISCP, called on Minister for Social Protection, Joan Burton T.D. to examine these proposals which were unveiled for the first time today and to engage in consultation with Older People and their organisations on the matter.

Taoiseach Enda Kenny in his address to the nation wants an Ireland where we can all grow old with Respect & Dignity.

If the reports in today’s media are to be believed that will not happen for the many facing the prospect of a loss of 6 weeks Fuel Allowance in BUDGET 2012? What are the prospects of respect and dignified living for families and older people in such circumstances?

Máiread Hayes, CEO of the Irish Senior Citizens Parliament urges the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Brendan Howlin T.D. to reconsider any proposal which will result in cutting by 6 weeks the Fuel Allowance of €20 per week to all those who qualify for it.

This payment is means tested and any cuts to it will result in serious problems for all who receive it across the life cycle. In particular it will mean that Older People will go to bed earlier or indeed stay in bed longer in their efforts to keep warm.

“Think again Minister and do not put vulnerable families and older people through any more distress than they are already feeling in the present sub zero temperatures.”

What is the ISCP?

The Irish Senior Citizens' Parliament is a representative organisation of Older People in Ireland.
The Parliament is a non-partisan political organisation working to promote the views of older people in policy development and decision-making.
The Parliament is run by older volunteers who are elected annually at the Annual Parliament Meeting by delegates from affiliated organisations. The ISCP currently has 400 affiliated organisations whose memberships combine to a total of 100,000 individuals.
This membership means the ISCP has a genuine mandate to be the Voice of Older People in Ireland.

Pages

ISCP Objectives:

To be a strong voice representing older people and their needs at international, national and local level.
To promote inter-generational solidarity.
To work through the existing affiliated organisations to ensure better co-ordination of policies and activities whilst ensuring that the affiliated groups retain their own autonomy.
To work for improvement in the quality of life of Older People.
To develop solidarity with organisations working to improve the quality of life of Older People.
To represent Older People’s issues to Government.